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❝𝓑𝓾𝓽 𝓽𝓱𝓲𝓼 𝔀𝓸𝓻𝓵𝓭 𝓲𝓼 𝓷𝓸 𝓬𝓱𝓮𝓼𝓼 𝓰𝓪𝓶𝓮, 𝓸𝓷𝓮 𝓬𝓪𝓷𝓷𝓸𝓽 𝔀𝓲𝓷 𝓲𝓯 𝓷𝓸𝓽 𝓹𝓵𝓪𝔂𝓲𝓷𝓰 𝓫𝔂 𝓽𝓱𝓮 𝓻𝓾𝓵𝓮𝓼. 𝓦𝓲𝓽𝓱𝓸𝓾𝓽 𝓯𝓪𝓲𝓵, 𝓹𝓵𝓪𝔂𝓮𝓻𝓼 𝔀𝓲𝓵𝓵 𝓫𝓻𝓮𝓪𝓴 𝓽𝓱𝓮 𝓻𝓾𝓵𝓮𝓼 . . . 𝓪𝓷𝓭 𝓬𝓱𝓮𝓼𝓼𝓶𝓮𝓷 𝔀𝓲𝓵𝓵 𝓫𝓮𝓽𝓻𝓪𝔂 𝓽𝓱𝓮 𝓹𝓵𝓪𝔂𝓮𝓻𝓼. 𝓐𝓷𝓭 𝓲𝓯 𝓘'𝓶 𝓽𝓸 𝓹𝓵𝓪𝔂 𝓰𝓪𝓶𝓮𝓼 𝔀𝓲𝓽𝓱 𝓽𝓱𝓮𝓲𝓻 𝓵𝓲𝓴𝓮 𝓸𝓷 𝓮𝓺𝓾𝓪𝓵 𝓯𝓸𝓸𝓽𝓲𝓷𝓰, 𝓘'𝓭 𝓱𝓪𝓿𝓮 𝓷𝓸 𝓬𝓱𝓪𝓷𝓬𝓮 𝓪𝓽 𝓿𝓲𝓬𝓽𝓸𝓻𝔂 𝓲𝓯 𝓘 𝓭𝓲𝓭𝓷'𝓽 𝓫𝓻𝓮𝓪𝓴 𝓽𝓱𝓮 𝓻𝓾𝓵𝓮𝓼 𝓶𝔂𝓼𝓮𝓵𝓯, 𝓻𝓲𝓰𝓱𝓽? . . . 𝓬𝓱𝓮𝓬𝓴𝓶𝓪𝓽𝓮.❞

                          -𝐒𝐚𝐤𝐚𝐲𝐚𝐧𝐚𝐠𝐢

      ◣━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━◢

It was darkness, a shroud of black in an endless void. In that darkness stood a chessboard with a couple of human-size chess pieces of each sides; such as the knight, pawns, the king and the bishop.

Along with two other pieces that don't even belong in the game of chess, two Kins who were like reflections of each other in a mirror. They stood in the opposite of the board in their perspective sides. One in clear white dress and the other in pitch black dress.

"How unlike you to be brought into a standstill." The Kin in black spoke in a taunting manner.

"I'm scared.." The other meekly whispered.

"What's so scary?"

"The world, everyone's scary.." The Kin in white uttered hugging herself.

"Then why." The Kin in black changed squares from where she was standing. "Are you just standing there?"

"..."

"Fufu, I know everything about you." She continued stepping onto another square as her heals clacking along the way. "I'll tell you why you're scared. Everyone will just continue to hurt you. You're too guillable for your own good." She smirked wrapping her arms around the other Kin hugging her.

The Kin in white eyes widened at the cold, blunt truth. Narrowing them, she looked down with a frown upon her face.

"..I'm sorry..."

"Oh dear, I said something nasty didn't I?" The Kin in black let go of her, ducking lightly to see her face.

"..."

"If it's that bad, why don't you stay?"

The Kin in white took a step back to another square that was in front of her own king piece. Her hands curled up into a fist.

"That's.."

"Why do you hesitate? Nothing will hurt you here."

"But I'm.."

"I know.." The Kin in black held up the Kin in white's hands, wrapping their fingers together. She placed her forehead against hers. "Think it over as much as you'd like."

═══╡°˖✧❈✧˖°╞════

All that just became a distant dream.

A forgotten memory between the two.

"HAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!" The Kin in white ran up to the Kin in black as their swords clashed.

The Kin in black laughed maniacally not backing down with her sword.

"Look at you trying to take control!" She chuckled thrusting her sword to make the other Kin stumble back falling to the ground.

"Ah!"

"When you're just a weak, feeble, naive kitten!" She mocked charging up to her with her sword aimed towards the Kin in white.

═══╡°˖✧❈✧˖°╞════

(OPENING HERE)

"Well Sakayanagi?" Asahi called causing Sakayanagi to gasp lightly under her mask.

"Very well then, King." She declared. "However I would like to remove one of your conditions."

"And? What would that be?"

"You shall not unmask me, sounds fair is it not?"

"Fine." He said coolly making his way up to the stage where one of the black-hooded figures pressed a button nearby as the wooden floor of the stage opened up and a fight table rises.

Sakayanagi and Asahi stood on opposite ends. The two stared at each other for a couple of moments before settling down their cards on their supposed places.

"Stand Up The Vanguard!"

"Silver Thorn Assistant, Ionela!" Sakayanagi declared as her starting vanguard.

"Sol Maiden, Uzume." Asahi stated as the once distorted TV screen turned into a fight in Cray.

"Challengers first."

"You sure?" He asked stoicly, his hand however made its way to his deck.

"Hm~ I wouldn't want to be call a cheater for going first." She hummed mockingly.

"Whatever floats your boat. Draw, I ride Divine Sword, Ame-no-Murakumo (8000) using his skill, I'll check the top five cards of my deck." He frowned slightly at the sight of no grade 3s.

"Oya~ what's wrong? Bad luck?" She mocked. 

"I draw with Uzume's ability. Passing the turn."

Asahi
Hand: 6
Soul: 1
Damage: 0
OXO
OOO

Sakayanagi
Hand: 5
Soul: 0
Damage: 0
OXO
OOO

"I draw, I ride Silver Thorn Assistant, Irina! (8000) I'm drawing from Ionela." She paused looking at her hand.

═══╡°˖✧❈✧˖°╞════

The Kin in white rolled to the side when the Kin in black did so.

"Running away now dearie~? Pathetic." The Kin in black spat before running up to her again, sword in her hand raised ready to cut her up open.

═══╡°˖✧❈✧˖°╞════

"Are you done?" Asahi's voice snapped Sakayanagi back into reality.

"No, but I get a quick shield. I call Silver Thorn Handlegrip, Linnea (8000) attacking your vanguard! (8000) with her skill I get to soulcharge. (Silver Thorn Dragon Tamer, Luquier)" She smiled lightly.

'Going on an early offense huh?' He thought to himself keeping a calm look. "I don't guard. (Supreme Heavenly Battle Deity, Susanoo)"

"Irina's next! (8000)"

"No guard."

"Drive trigger! (Silver Thorn Marionette, Lilian)"

"Damage. (Divine Sword, Ame-no-Murakumo)"

"I end my turn."

Asahi
Hand: 6
Soul: 1
Damage: 2
OXO
OOO

Sakayanagi
Hand: 7
Soul: 2
Damage: 0
XXO
OOO

"I draw and ride Diviner, Kuroikazuchi (9000) with his skill, I'll soulblast (Solar Maiden, Uzume) and discard a card (Sapient Angel) to reveal the top card of my deck (Goddess of Stream Waters, Ichikishima) my vanguard gets 6000 Ichikishima's skill, since she's revealed, I bind the top card of my deck (Divine Sword, Kusanagi) to add 10000 power to my vanguard. (25000) I'll call Ame-no-Murakumo (8000) to the rear guard, I'll look at the top five and take Goddess of the Sun, Amaterasu." He discards Offset Angel from his hand. "Amaterasu's skill, binding the top card (Kuroikazuchi) to add another 10000 power and 1 critical (35000/2★) while Murakumo gains 5000 from his own skill. (13000) he'll be attacking Linnea."

"I won't be guarding." She hummed putting Linnea to her drop zone.

"Kuroikazuchi attacks. (35000/2★)"

"I don't guard."

"Drive trigger. (Victorious Deer)"

"My damages. (Silver Thorn, Breathing Dragon. Silver Thorn Marionette, Lilian)"

"I'll end it there."

Asahi
Hand: 5
Soul: 1
Damage: 2
OXX
OOO

Sakayanagi
Hand: 7
Soul: 2
Damage: 2
OXO
OOO

"Stand and draw, I ride Silver Thorn Marionette, Lilian! (9000)"

═══╡°˖✧❈✧˖°╞════

The Kin in white rolled to the side as the other Kin's blade collided with the chessboard.

"Oya you really are a coward!"

═══╡°˖✧❈✧˖°╞════

"I-Irina's on-ride ability, I'll check the top three cards of my deck and put all of them to the soul since they're all Silver Thorns (Romy, Irina, Rising Dragon) and draw. Lillian's skill, counterblast, I'll search Doriane and put it to the soul. I call Silver Thorn Diva, Selvia! (9000) her skill comes to play, I counterblast and call Silver Thorn Beast Tamer, Doriane! (12000) and Silver Thorn, Rising Dragon! (9000) Rising's ability, adding 10000 (19000). I call Irina (8000) and using her skill." She checked the top two cards of her deck putting Silver Thorn Dragon Tamer, Luquier to the soul. "Lilian go! (9000)"

"I don't guard." Asahi stared down at her field,  calculating her next attacks.

"Drive trigger! (Candy Clown) oh goodie~ I recover one damage and the power goes to Selvia. (19000)"

"Damage trigger. (Goddess of Stream Waters, Ichikishima)"

"Rising Dragon! (19000)"

He flipped the top card of this deck and put Tetra Magus to the damage zone.

"Selvia, boosted by Irina! (27000)"

"Kusanagi blocks that. (39000)"

"What an overguard, can you even calculate your shield properly?" She mockingly commented with a smirk on her face, however it wasn't visible to Asahi but just from the tone of her voice. He definitely knew that she was smug about it.

"I do what I want, and I advice that you should focus on your own cards." He replied, not seemingly to play Sakayanagi's tune of her teasing and him getting all angry about it. "So, are you done? I would like to start my turn."

"Hmpf." She huffed looking at her field again. "Doriane's skill, I put everyone to the soul and draw a card. She retires. Now, I end my turn."

Asahi
Hand: 4
Soul: 1
Damage: 4
OXX
OOO

Sakayanagi
Hand: 7
Soul: 5
Damage: 1
OXO
OOO

"A 1 to 4 damage? Really?" Takara looked at the fight table, a cruel and dark smile grew on her face.

"Does he know what he's doing..?" Rin uttered out gritting her teeth.

Even if the damage gap was rather large, Asahi kept calm and collected, scanning the field.

"You sound frustrated." He commented, drawing his next card. "Looks like my words rang true, looked at how the tables have turned. Listen well and listen closely, Sakayanagi." The King cut her off, eyes closed. "I'm a justice and those who disturbed the peace of Setsuna."

He opened his eyes, revealing his cold black orbs to her, making her unconsciously shivered a little.

"Will fall down before my sword. I ride Supreme Heavenly Battle Deity, Susanoo! (12000) Imaginary gift, Protect I. Susanoo's on-ride ability, I'll be checking the top two cards and put one on top and the other on the bottom. I move Murakumo back and call, Evil Eye Princess, Euryale (12000) and Sapient Angel (9000) her skill." Asahi checked the top three cards of his deck: Battle Sister, Brioche; Goddess of the Sun, Amaterasu; Diviner, Kuroikazuchi. His fingers then shuffled the cards into a new order of: Amaterasu, Kuroikazuchi and Brioche. "Moving Sapient back to make room for Ichikishima (9000) her skill, I'll reveal the top card of my deck (Goddess of the Sun Amaterasu) add 10000 to herself. (19000) Euryale's skill, soulcharging Amaterasu, now for Amaterasu's skill, since she's revealed I bind the top card of my deck (Diviner, Kuroikazuchi) to add 10000 and an additional critical. (22000/2★) Susanoo's skill, paying a counterblast and soulblast (Diviner, Kuroikazuchi) since I have a grade 3 in the soul, instead of two I can reveal three cards, any triggers will be activated. (Battle Sister, Brioche; Battle Sister, Ginger; Battle Sister, Tiramisu)"

"Triple triggers!" Majority of the crowd cheered for the King. They may have a chance winning after all.

"No! I call hacks!" Takara huffed crossing her arms.

"Well well, lady luck is seemed to be by your side." Sakayanagi chuckled in amusement. "That luck however will soon be drained."

"All the trigger effects will go to Ichikishima (49000). I'll heal one damage." Asahi ignored her, drawing a card. "Euryale will attack. (25000)"

"Damage trigger (Skyhigh Walker) hm, a front trigger. (19000)"

"Then Susanoo! (22000/2★)"

"Not a chance, Hoop Magician! (34000)"

"Hm, so that's why she attacked first." He thought to himself before doing his drive checks: Tetra Magus, Supreme Heavenly Battle Deity, Susanoo.

"Ichikishima. (49000/2★)"

"Damage trigger (Silver Thorn Diva, Selvia. Silver Thorn Handlegrip, Linnea)"

"I end my turn."

Asahi
Hand: 9
Soul: 2
Damage: 3
XXX
XOX

Sakayanagi
Hand: 6
Soul: 5
Damage: 4
OXO
OOO

"The King managed to turn the tables around!" Someone spoke in the crowd.

"Now he's on the lead!" Another added.

"How troublesome." She stood her field and drew a card. "My existence is to fight and destroy. That's the only thing I could do, the only reason I was born! I ride, Silver Thorn Dragon Empress, Venus Luquier! (12000)"

═══╡°˖✧❈✧˖°╞════

More loud ringing noises of their swords clashed, the two identical girls shot a glare at each other.

"I'm not a child anymore!"

"Prove it!" She cackled pushing her back to pin her against the white King piece. The Kin in black smirked pointing her sword as the Kin in white could feel the cold blade against her throat.

═══╡°˖✧❈✧˖°╞════

Sakayanagi's head began throbbing as she gripped the edge of the fight table taking deep breaths. This caused Asahi to be a little confused, was she perhaps suffocating under that mask?

"I-Imaginary gift, Accel II! I draw a card and gain an e-extra circle, Luquier's ability." She took the quick shield from her hand discarding it and pay a counterblast. "Enter the stage, Silver Thorn Diva, Selvia (9000) Rising Dragon (9000) and last, Lillian (9000). Selvia's skill, counterblast and I call two Irinas. (8000) the first Irina's skill." She checked the top two cards of the deck: Hades Hypnotist. Silver Thorn, Rising Dragon. She slide in Rising Dragon to the soul. "The second Irina.. (Hoop Magician. Silver Thorn Dragon Empress, Venus Luquier) Luquier to the soul. My front row gains 5000 along with Rising's skill add another 10000 to itself. Luquier attacks! (17000)"

"Go on ahead."

"Drive trigger check. (Silver Thorn Dragon Tamer, Luquier. Silver Thorn Beast Tamer, Serge.) front trigger! 10000 to my front row."

"Damage trigger. (Offset Angel)"

"Selvia attacks! (29000)"

"Damage check. (Psychic Bird) a critical trigger all effects to Susanoo. (22000)"

"Lilian! (42000)"

"Brioche guards and so will Ichikishima. (47000)"

"Rising Dragon! (42000)"

"Protect!" He discarded Amaterasu.

"Tch, Luquier's skill, everyone goes to the soul, and I get an imaginary gift. I choose Accel II, draw."

Asahi
Hand: 6
Soul: 2
Damage: 5
OXX
XOX

Sakayanagi
Hand: 9
Soul: 8
Damage: 4
OOXOO
  OOO

OST: Fatal Judge

"I stand and draw, mark my words Sakayanagi, this is the final turn."

"How arrogant of you, King." She sneered.

"Arrogance? Me? Hah!" He scoffed. "Unlike you, I know the difference between confidence and arrogance."

"Why yo-"

"Supreme Heavenly Battle Deity, Susanoo! Persona ride! (12000) Imaginary gift, Protect I! On-place (Goddess of the Sun, Amaterasu. Goddess of Stream Waters, Ichikishima)" He then revealed Amaterasu and place it on the top and put Ichikishima to the bottom. "Euryale's skill, Amaterasu goes to the soul. Amaterasu's skill, I bind the top card of my deck (Goddess of Stream Waters, Ichikishima) add 10000 and a critical to my vanguard (22000/2★) Sapient Angel retires. The threads of destiny unwind and recollect. The power of possibility runs deep in the veins of the god deer. Taint the sky with gold, I call Victorious Deer! (12000), Offset Angel (7000) and Tetra Magus (8000), Tetra's skill, I counterblast and draw." So he did and place Ginger on the top of his deck.

"Why did you..?" She uttered out, gripping her hand of cards.

"Isn't it obvious?" Asahi smirked making Sakayanagi's eyes widened.

"He only have 8 normal units out of 18 cards." She thought to herself.

═══╡°˖✧❈✧˖°╞════

The Kin in white narrowed her eyes as she kicked away the Kin in black causing her to get pushed back.

"I-I'll show you! I'll show you that I don't need your protection anymore!" The Kin in white declared placing her hand on her chest.

═══╡°˖✧❈✧˖°╞════

"Susanoo's skill, counterblast, soulblast, revealing the top three cards and all of the triggers will be resolved. (Battle Sister Ginger 2x, Psychic Bird) one critical each to my front row. Deer's ability, I soulblast Amaterasu and my other Susanoo. Checking the top seven cards and I'll be putting two Kusanagi at the top of my deck. All of my units gain 10000 power! The Deer's Eternal Blessing!"

═══╡°˖✧❈✧˖°╞════

She tackled her down pointing the tip of the sharp blade towards the Kin in black's throat. 

═══╡°˖✧❈✧˖°╞════

"Susanoo attacks! (60000/3★)"

Sakayanagi looked at her hand then back to her field. Even if she did guard, it'll still break through with the two triggers he had on top of his deck. She stayed silent alerting Asahi.

"Twin Drive. (Divine Sword, Kusanagi. Divine Sword Kusanagi) double critical. All effects to Susanoo! (80000/5★) Heaven's Decree!"

"This is."

═══╡°˖✧❈✧˖°╞════

"This is!"

═══╡°˖✧❈✧˖°╞════

"Checkmate!" Asahi and Kin declared together.

———

Fight credit: KRX350 thanks for the huge help!

Original quote: Ciel Phantomhive